The Simplicity of Self-Care

2020 has been described in the press media as “a year like no other”.. We cannot deny that the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic has taken its toll on the general public’s mental health and physical health. Lockdown has impacted the leisure industry which were forced to close to curb the spread of the virus. Our days are spent in the confines of our homes. As I write this, I am very mindful of individuals who live in flats surrounded by concrete, scaffolding, high rise buildings and who have no parks or garden areas within walking distance of their homes to do some physical exercise. Self-care for most individuals means going to the gym, a sporting event or bowling alley or to a restaurant for bite to eat with friend. Self-care could be Saturday night, watching a live show at the theater or watching the latest blockbuster in the cinema at the centre of town. How the world has changed today! Since there are restrictions in place for the leisure industry, it doesn’t mean that we forgo our self-care until lockdown is lifted. This is an opportune season to simplify our self-care routine. Just because a task is simple, it doesn’t mean that it is ineffective. You can still achieve the powerful results you require.

What are the ways that we can simplify our self-care routines? What is the one thing that you will do today to nurture yourself? How can devote more care for our well being. I acknowledge that it is a challenge to have time out for yourself especially when members of the family are working from home or that you are home-schooling your children and don’t even have five minutes to go and grab yourself a cup of coffee. Simplification can be the way to overcome the overwhelm. Here are some suggestions of simplifying your self-care. You may wish to add others to the list which works for you, which serves you and which gives you the support you need

1. Take 20 minutes out if you can to visit a museum or an art gallery online, in anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home.
2. Attend a 15–30 live lecture if you can online on your favourite hobby
3. Catch up one evening with your group of friends via Zoom or Whatsapp for a quiz night. If there isn’t a social zoom group available, why not set one up? Don’t isolate yourself during this season
4. Think about one way you can reward yourself today at home today? Now do it!
5. Light your favorite scented candle or put on your favorite diffuser
6. Pump up your favorite fast catchy music and then dance around your living room area or bedroom. Nobody’s watching if you feel embarrassed!!!!
7. Take some time out in the early morning or at a time convenient with you to pray and receive strength from God for the day.
8. Read and declare aloud positive affirmations about yourself.
9. Have a lovely relaxing soak in the bath
10. Take a walk around the block (weather permitting) to get some fresh air.

What is the ONE thing you can do today to nurture yourself?

Your Self-care activities doesn’t need to be complex. Travel and finances do not need to be a hindrance or a blocker, when you can give yourself some tender loving care here and now. A simple regular self-care routine can be effective and provide you with the results you need to overcome overwhelm and anxiety. There is power in simplicity